There can be no possible discussion of interpretation when a composer performs his own work. When that composer is a musician of infinite experience, technical ability, and instrumental range, the music is enriched, informed and expansive.
Simon Ballard, making a welcome return to St Michaels Church for the Brighton Fringe, played piano music by Dussek, Mozart, Viotti, Poulenc, Granados – and Simon Ballard. He wrote marvellously for the piano. The six set programme music, Warwickshire Suite, was an illustration of his county towns: we heard a stately Leamington Spa, a lively Olton, reflective Honiley, trumpeting Warwick, Tudor Stratford and a rather grand Solihull, traditional style echoing the harmonic twists and tricks from chosen masters together with his own gift of melody and structure. Simon Ballard may have been a composer with a story to tell – but he could get around a keyboard with the best of them.
Granados’ Allegro de Concierto was a showstopper, a barnstorming flurry of Spanish virtuoso rhythms and contrasting tempi.
In contrast were three charming Novelettes by Poulenc, atmospheric pieces spiced with acerbic touches and soft pedals. He loved the music of Mozart and the bittersweet Adagio K540 was echoed by an encore.
Three stars
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